‘I didn't watch the last over’ - Andy Balbirnie reflects on Ireland’s dramatic win over Pakistan

Ireland scripted history as they recently pulled off a major upset against Pakistan in the first T20I of the ongoing three-game series between both sides. The team took centre stage in the first T20I at Castle Avenue in Dublin on Friday, May 10. 

Aiming to chase down a target of 183 runs, it was Andy Balbirnie’s knock of 77 runs in 55 deliveries that helped Ireland register a win against Pakistan for the first time in 17 years. 

The hosts won the game with one ball to spare as Curtis Campher’s last over heroics propelled the hosts to a win. Speaking of the tension in the last over, Balbirnie came forward to reveal that he did not see the last over as he sat inside the tent and put a wet towel on his head.

Also Read: 'You come here from Pakistan, the flattest pitches in the world' - Paul Stirling explains how Ireland trumped Pakistan

"I didn't watch the last over. I went to the tent and put a towel over my head, I felt it was my job to get the team over the line. Harry said if we could bat normally till the 13th over, we could get the runs. That was a partnership which set it up," Balbirnie was quoted as saying by BBC.

I think 190 would have been a par score: Babar Azam

Speaking of the loss, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam opined that the side was below par and they would have liked to post a bigger total on the scoreboard. It is worth noting that the skipper played a good knock, scoring 57 runs in 43 deliveries, helping his side post the total on the board.

"I think 190 would have been a par score, We lost in the fielding and batting. I don't think we executed the plans. A few fielding lapses cost us. We attacked in the first six overs but didn't finish well,” Babar said. 

After the first clash, both sides will now gear up for the second T20I of the series. Ireland will take on Pakistan in the second clash at the same venue as the first game in Dublin on Sunday, May 12.